White pimples on the face of a newborn – are they dangerous, infectious, and how to treat?
During the first days of a newborn’s life, the skin can sometimes suddenly become covered with specific small white pimples. Of course, a young mother is frightened by such manifestations.
Are these pimples dangerous, what to do with them, and when to go to the doctor?
Understanding …
The content of the article:
- Causes of white pimples on the face of a newborn
- Milia symptoms – how to tell them apart from other types of rashes?
- When white pimples go away, what to do, how to treat?
- In what cases do you urgently need to see a doctor?
- Rules for caring for the skin of a newborn with white pimples on the face
Causes of white pimples on the face of a newborn – milia
Among all the difficulties that a young mother is forced to face after childbirth, milia is not the hardest test, but it still requires close attention. Milia is a white rash that occurs on the thin and sensitive skin of children as a result of hormonal changes.
Where do miles come from?
This disease usually manifests itself when the sebaceous glands are blocked in infants 2-3 weeks old. The phenomenon is also called millet or discoloration of the skin, accompanied by the formation of whiteheads.
Milia look like tiny white nodules, which usually do not bother the baby at all, but frighten the mother with their appearance.
Video: How easy is it to get rid of milia at home?
Initially, the cause of this rash is a changeable hormonal background: the sebaceous glands of the crumbs have not yet been formed, and unprocessed fat breaks out in the form of whiteheads. It is the excess of hormones that accelerates the work of the sebaceous glands.
The main area of distribution of milia is the area around the nose, on the cheeks and forehead of the infant (sometimes milia can also be found on the body).
Milia symptoms – how to tell them apart from other types of rashes?
Fat overflow of immature sebaceous glands – and their manifestation on the skin – occurs (on average, according to statistics) in half of all newborns. And, if milia, as such, are not particularly dangerous in themselves, then other diseases with similar symptoms may require closer attention – and urgent appeal to the pediatrician…
How to distinguish milia from other diseases?
- Milia of newborns (approx. – milia, milia). Signs: affects only newborns, resembles white, very dense eels with a yellowish tinge and no more than 2 mm in diameter, located mainly in the nasolabial triangle, on the forehead and cheeks (sometimes partially on the body, on the chest or neck). Pimples usually look like grains – that’s why the disease is called “mildew”. Milia is not accompanied by soreness or other symptoms.
- Allergy. As a rule, allergies are accompanied by itching, redness, and moodiness of the baby. Stool disturbance, lacrimation and other symptoms may also occur.
- Vesiculopustulosis. This inflammation is a consequence of the influence of staphylococci, streptococci or fungi. In newborns, it occurs in the absence of proper skin care, with infectious diseases in the mother, or in the absence of the necessary sanitary and hygienic conditions in the maternity hospital or at home. The inflammation manifests itself in the form of peas, more often on the head and body than on the face.
- Acne in newborns. This phenomenon can be talked about if the milia did not disappear within 2-3 weeks after their formation. That is, the child’s body could not cope on its own, and a bacterial component appeared. The acne rash also does not seriously threaten health, and yet it needs to be treated. Acne looks like swollen pimples with yellowish tips, located on the little one’s face, on the thighs and in the folds of the skin.
- Toxic erythema. This skin reaction is also not dangerous, but in essence resembles an allergy. Outwardly, it manifests itself as tiny white pimples on the tummy and chest, although it can appear on the face and even on the limbs.
- Prickly heat… One of, perhaps, the most frequent occurrences among toddlers. External manifestations are small rashes on areas of the skin that are devoid of full air exchange – a red and white tint. As a rule, it occurs due to overheating and high humidity of the skin.
- Thrush… This white rash usually occurs in the mouth, lips, and gums. Among the reasons are dirty nipples, stomatitis, mom’s kisses. Causes itching and discomfort and requires treatment.
When do white pimples on the face of a newborn go away, what to do and how to treat it?
Milia is not considered an “acute and dangerous” illness requiring an urgent call for an ambulance. This phenomenon is considered normal and does not require serious treatment.
As a rule, the appearance of milia occurs in the 3rd week of a baby’s life, and after 5-6 weeks the phenomenon disappears by itself as the activity of the sebaceous glands normalizes.
How is milia treated?
It should be noted that in this case, drugs are not prescribed, and only in rare cases, the pediatrician can prescribe certain ointments or solutions with cleansing or supporting local immunity properties.
As for the self-prescription of various creams or drugs with antiallergenic action, then, most often, there is simply no sense from them. A some may even harm the skin and provoke already more serious manifestations on the skin.
- First of all, visit your pediatrician to make sure that it is exactly the milieu.
- Learn the rules of baby skin care and be patient.
- Do not use drugs without a doctor’s prescription.
It is important to understand and remember that milia in babies do not need therapy and special medication! But it is, of course, necessary to see a doctor in order to prevent the inflammatory process.
What should be alarming for white pimples on the face of a newborn, in what cases do you urgently need to see a doctor?
As mentioned above, milia is more of a phenomenon than a disease. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of them.
Unless, of course, an inflammatory process joins the phenomenon.
You should be alert and urgently consult a pediatrician if …
- More and more rashes, and the areas of their distribution are becoming wider.
- Pimples begin to change their appearance: grows in size, changes color and content.
- There are manifestations of other symptoms.v… For example, temperature, baby’s discomfort, moodiness, etc.
- The baby has no appetite, it is inactive and sluggish.
- There is redness on the body, red rash or spots.
With such signs, of course, you cannot do without additional consultation with a doctor.
Remember that under these symptoms both an inflammatory process and an allergic reaction can be hidden, which require immediate treatment!
Rules for caring for the skin of a newborn and a nursing mother’s regimen with white pimples on the face of a newborn
You should pay attention to the skin of your newborn toddler from the very first day. The mother’s attention should be even more close if the baby was born in the summer. What are the rules for skin care crumbs “prescribed” for this case?
- We bathe the baby every day.
- We make sure to perform hygiene procedures when changing a diaper.
- We wash the child with a swab (cotton pad) slightly moistened in water (of course, in boiled water!) 2-3 times a day. You can use a decoction of a string instead of water.
- Do not forget to boil bottles and nipples.
- When bathing, add a not too concentrated decoction of herbs to the water. For example, string, chamomile, calendula. Enough 40 g of herbs for 2 cups of boiling water, which should be infused for half an hour under the lid.
- You can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate when bathing. However, the opinions of experts on this issue differ.
What is not recommended:
- Abuse baby cosmetics. It is recommended that you do not use creams at all for the duration of treatment.
- Abuse antiseptic ointments. A decoction of herbs is enough to wipe the face.
- Apply remedies without a doctor’s prescription (you can aggravate the situation).
- Squeeze out pimples. It is strictly forbidden to do this in order to avoid infection and the development of inflammation.
- Smear pimples with iodine and brilliant green, alcohol lotions.
And finally – about mom’s nutrition
As for the nutrition of a nursing mother, during this period (during the treatment of milia), you should not radically change your usual diet, so as not to provoke the development of some other reaction of the body. Wait until all systems of the body work in full force for the baby.
And don’t panic! After all, this, quite natural, phenomenon speaks of the normal development of the child.
What do you need to remember?
- While you are breastfeeding, keep a food diary so that you know what the baby reacted to if an allergy does appear.
- Eat less fatty and less allergic foods.
- Do not introduce new foods during treatment.
- Do not consume sweets with chemical additives.
And – be patient. If the baby’s body is not overloaded, then very soon all of its systems will ripen, and such problems will remain only in memories.
The Bologny.ru website warns: the information is provided for informational purposes only, and is not a medical recommendation. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances!
If you have any health problems with your baby, consult your doctor!
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